Scientific apprentice Review
at Cavendish Nuclear
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Science
Whitehaven, Cumbria
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I am an apprentice nuclear analyst, where part of my job role is to undergo practical procedures in order to investigate the activity of samples. Day to day I preform a number of methods in order to calibrate results for these samples in order to find out the total activity. A number of my responsibility's is to work safely with a number of hazardous materials and as accurately and precise as possible.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme as it allows me to have a work/study balance that university could not accommodate, primarily being studying with chance of placement. I like the company I work for which holds a high level of safety standards within my building and the overall professionalism with a team designated to us apprentices (Early Careers).
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
One day a week I study within the National College For Nuclear on a foundation degree course in applied chemistry where I gain a number of laboratory skills and higher background knowledge into the subject. While at work I am constantly learning new skills and processes to different procedures, either in the labs or with my team leader mentor sessions.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The Early Careers team have structured out a number of ADP (Apprentice Development Programs) through my course in order to gain skills and knowledge that I can take with me across my career. I like how this is organised as many of the sessions are office based where I can meet other apprentices in my year group compared to just a Microsoft teams meetings.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have Mentor meetings with my team leader every two weeks where I can list any concerns I have, with the problem getting rectified sharply after that. I also have a Buddy in place which is the apprentice from the year above who can help with any small quires and give tips when it comes to college.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have meetings with a college mentor and my team leader every 3 months where we go down all the apprenticeship competencies I need to gain for the program, with tips on how to gain the knowledge or what I should be doing. I also have meetings each term with my college teachers on how I am finding the module and if I need any help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualifications that I receive from my training provider allows me to gain a further knowledge into chemistry and the actual science behind the procedures I undergo instead of just following a method and not really knowing what happens. Understanding science through my qualification can also allow me to work in the development labs where I can make my own methods as I understand the process of things.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
STEM activities are highly recommended to get involved in to all employees with one activity each year being a minimum to undergo within the apprenticeship program. There was also a recent communication that the company would allow a days leave where you could get involved in local activity's to help out the community such as litter picks.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cavendish Nuclear to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I believe if you want to pursue an apprenticeship and career within nuclear chemistry this is one of the best opportunities around here, with the framework to the programme allowing for a very hands on experience. Personally I really enjoy the professionalism to the company with it treating every staff correctly for their needs.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cavendish Nuclear?
I would urge anyone wanting to apply to Cavendish Nuclear to do some background research into our company, see what current projects we are involved in. I would check to see what we do on a local scale at our labs, a national scale within the UK and finally a global scales with other country's.
